InterContinental Brands has unveiled the new identity for its Vodkat drink – V-Kat Schnapps.

The company was forced to withdraw the Vodkat name following a two-year legal dispute with Smirnoff owner Diageo, which complained that consumers could be misled into thinking the 22% abv drink was vodka.

ICB will cease shipping Vodkat at the end of this month.

“V-Kat Schnapps is very clear about what it is and I am convinced it will be a huge success,” said ICB managing director John Mills.

“V-Kat should be merchandised in the exciting ‘speciality drinks’ fixture, which is growing at 12% in the off-trade – compared to 4% growth in the overall BWS category.”

V-Kat will be available in 20cl, 35cl, 70cl and litre glass bottles.

Last month, Diageo warned it would consider legal action against other “misleading” lighter-strength vodka brands after triumphing over ICB.

Read more
Diageo sharpens its claws in the wake of victory over Vodkat (18 December 2010)
Hot Topic: Vodkat offers lesson to all ‘lighter spirits’ (18 December 2010)
Daily Bread: Curiosity killed the Kat (15 December 2010)

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